Duncan Mcrae

Barista / Blogger / ESL Tutor

Summary

Being disciplined and self-motivated with pro-active initiative are key values that I live by. I have a history of effective interpersonal, business and organisational experience.

My motto for life: "Enthusiasm is not a random mood, but a matter of choice."

Work History

June 2016August 2016

Barista / Cafe All-rounder

Wake Me Up Espresso Bar, Slacks Creek, QLD

I have been making coffee for years but over the past 2 years decided to formalise my enthusiasm with Barista Qualifications (see below). Working at Wake Me Up has enabled me to fine tune my skills in coffee making, free pouring, as well as assist in the restructure and organisation of the cafe's food and beverage provisions. Making meals, serving customers and using the POS at the front counter were all part of the skill set that complemented my barista duties.

Mar 2015Present

Blogger / Reviewer

www.ilovesamsungphones.com

Through the training received via the Wealthy Affiliate Network, I have personally developed a marketing website promoting Samsung technology. I have written blog posts and product reviews connected with Android technology. As a Premium Member of Wealthy Affiliate Network, I have designed training modules and mentored new members.

Mar 2015Apr 2016

English Tutor

TutorABC, Taipei, Taiwan

I am an accomplished online English tutor, having taught more than 1000 sessions to over 2000 different students. These range from Level 2 & 3 beginners to accomplished English speakers. I teach adults and children. Based on those sessions, my current satisfaction rating is 9.3/10. Lessons range from grammar skills and vocabulary enhancement to fine tuning conversation skills. TutorABC is one of the world's largest online English teaching platforms catering to the ever expanding Chinese field of English language learning.

Nov 1996Jan 2015

Business Owner and Operator

Paragon Window Cleaning

I managed and operated several successful window cleaning businesses for a total of 18 years. I personally provided window cleaning services to more than 1,000 commercial and domestic clients in five different locations throughout Eastern Australia. As manager and operator, I was responsible for marketing, cold canvassing (growing the client base), and communicating and liaising with clients, suppliers, and service providers through face to face, electronic and telephone interactions. I became proficient in effective PR techniques with clients and providers. When each business was established in a location and operating successfully, I sold it and relocated to set up a new one in another location. The sale of each business required my training the new owners to successfully operate the business, including window cleaning techniques and business procedures.

Education

March 2015present

Wealthy Affiliate Network Online Certification Program

Wealthy Affiliate Network, Vancouver, Canada

The Wealthy Affiliate Network training program trains members through online material and live video training to grasp the WordPress web development system. Its modules focus on SEO, SEM, content writing in conjunction with everything WordPress. Email and local marketing is included along with how to build a niche business with affiliate marketing links. There are over 200,000 active participants in this program.

March 2014

Master Barista

Barista Basics, George St, Sydney

This course results in a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment listing the units SITHFAB204 Prepare and serve espresso coffee and SITXFSA101 Use hygienic practices for food safety. This is a 5-hour barista experience that starts from the basics and culminates in two hours of non-stop coffee-making focusing on milk texturing and coffee art. All the cutting-edge tricks using etching and free-pouring techniques are taught.

May 2014Nov 2014

ATA Advanced TESOL Diploma

Australasian Training Academy

A 360 hour Foundational + 5 Electives Course designed for the professional, career-minded global or local English teacher. I selected and successfully completed the electives of Business English, Computer Assisted Language Learning, IELTS / TOEFL examination, Private Tuition and Travel and Tourism English Training. I hold certificates in all these electives, as well as the Advanced Diploma certificate.

Skills

Personal Relationships

I have been happily married to my wife for over 32 years. During this time, I have learned to communicate effectively, successfully handle problems and challenges and negotiate agreeable solutions.

Mentoring

I have extensive experience in one-on-one mentoring and instructing. I have cultivated effective listening and teaching skills so that the student or trainee can be empowered to succeed.

Organisation

I have developed strong business, organisational and management skills over the last 26 years.

Travel

I grew up in Papua New Guinea and travelled extensively throughout the country as well as to cities in Asia and Great Britain. I have lived in Australia since the age of 19. After getting married, my wife and I enjoyed traveling to Europe, USA and Thailand. I value cultural diversity and understand the challenge of language barriers. My recent experience of living in Asia, equipped me with first hand experience of being a foreigner where the local language is not my first language. We used the time in Thailand to study Thai, further equipping us in our communication skills.

Hobbies / Interests

Reading, playing the guitar, watching sporting events of all kinds, socialising with friends, travelling to new places.

Goals

My goal is to build cultural bridges through English language training. I wish to increase the link between Immigrants and Australian culture through valuing diversity and implementing TESOL mentoring programs.